Ski insurance: six things you need to know
Statistics show that a third of people who ski do not have any travel insurance. Here's what you need to know before you take out a policy
It's that time of year when many of us start thinking about heading off on a ski trip. But, in among thinking about ski hire, lift passes and the quickest way to get to the slopes, how much time do you spend making sure you are fully insured?
For most of us a ski trip is the most physically demanding holiday we go on and sadly many people will be injured on the slopes this year. But, worrying numbers of us are skiing or snowboarding without insurance. Government statistics from 2012 showed that a third of people heading off on winter sports holidays did not have any travel insurance, and of the ones that did, 31 per cent hadn’t bothered to check if winter sports were covered by their policies. Given that treatment for a broken leg in Europe could cost as much as £6,000 it is well worth making sure you have insurance.
Here are six things you need to know about ski insurance.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
1. EHIC is not enough
A lot of people going on ski trips think simply having a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will suffice. Unfortunately, that is not the case. An EHIC only entitles you to necessary, state-provided medical assistance at the same level as a local could expect. Given that most of the clinics and slope-based medical teams in the Alps are operated privately you could face a hefty bill if you get injured or ill during your ski trip.
2. You need specialist cover
Standard travel insurance policies do not cover high-risk sports like skiing or snowboarding so you need to make sure you have extra cover for your trip. If you already have multi-trip travel insurance check your policy to see if it includes a winter sports pack, if it doesn’t find out how much it would cost to add one then compare it with the cost of a single-trip policy with winter sports included.
3. Off-piste is off most policies
Even if you have a travel insurance policy with added winter sports coverage that doesn’t give you carte blanche to do whatever you like. According to data from GoCompare.com 20 per cent of winter sports insurance policies will not cover you if you ski off-piste. Of those that do the majority require you to comply with certain conditions in order to remain insured such as being accompanied by a qualified guide. So, make sure you read your policy before you go and that you are clear about what you can and can’t do.
4. Drinking can leave you high and dry
If you could be considered drunk when an accident occurs on your holiday, you may well find your insurer refuses to pay out. Many travel insurance policies include a clause stating they will not cover any claims that arise as a result of alcohol consumption.
That doesn’t just mean having too many beers at lunchtime – a heavy evening of drinking could mean your blood-alcohol level is still high the following morning.
5. Wear a helmet for full coverage
Another reason insurers refuse claims is when people don't properly protect themselves before hitting the slopes. Some winter sports policies now insist you wear a helmet in order to be fully covered, while others are more murky saying that you must comply with local rules which vary a great deal. For example in some parts of Canada everyone has to wear a helmet, while in Italy anyone under 14 does.
So, make sure you read your policy and check what local rules are in place.
6. Check your equipment
Whether you have your own ski equipment or you plan to hire it at the resort make sure you have insurance that covers it. Also, make sure you comply with any rules regarding where your equipment is kept. For example, if you leave things in an unattended car or in your hotel room you may not be covered.
If anything is stolen make sure you get a report from local police in order to be able to make a claim.
Finally, make sure you take a copy of your policy with you and you have the claims telephone number recorded somewhere you will easily find it if you need it.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
How (and why) to have the inheritance talk with family sooner than later
The Explainer The hard conversations aren't going to get any easier if you wait
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
How to find cheaper car insurance as premiums accelerate
The Explainer Car insurance costs are rising but there are ways to put the brakes on price rises
By Marc Shoffman, The Week UK Published
-
Should you use a 529 plan? What to know about this college savings option.
The Explainer This tax-advantaged savings account can be used to pay tuition or buy textbooks
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Is a high-yield savings account worth having?
The Explainer They can pay up to 10 times more than a standard savings account
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Gray divorce is on the rise and it can have major financial implications
The Explainer Divorce that occurs later in life between older adults presents particular challenges
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
When do solar panels make sense? What to consider before going solar.
The Explainer It's a big and costly project, but benefits include long-term savings and property value increase
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
What is the best way to use your tax refund?
The Explainer It may be tempting to splurge — but there are smarter places to put that money
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Why 401(k) early withdrawals are on the rise — and what to consider before you do it
The Explainer It actually has some notable financial consequences
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published